Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 216, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nominee from U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii State Office of Housing and Urban Development, Special Assistant to the Governor of Hawaii, Lieutenant Governor, Department of Public Safety, State Adjutant General, Department of Human Services, Public Defender, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney, Hawaii Police Department, Kauai Police Department, Maui Prosecuting Attorney, Dean of William S. Richardson School of Law, Princess Victoria Kaiulani School, Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA), Weed & Seed Kalihi-Palama-Chinatown Waipahu, GA Morris, Inc., and eight private citizens. Testimony in opposition was received from one individual and another individual provided comments.

Your Committee finds that as to the one testimony in opposition, the testifier admitted that he had no proof for his assertions.

The HSBA subjected the nominee to rigorous review and evaluation before rating the nominee as "highly qualified" for the position. That rating is the highest endorsement given by the HSBA for judicial appointment recommendations. The review includes a thorough evaluation of the nominee based on a modified version of the American Bar Association Guidelines for Reviewing Qualifications of Candidates for Judicial Office. The guidelines' criteria include: integrity, legal knowledge and ability, professional experience, judicial temperament, diligence, financial responsibility, public service, collegiality, and writing ability.

The nominee received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hawaii, a Masters of Education degree from the University of Oregon, and a law degree from the McGeorge School of Law. He has been licensed to practice law in Hawaii since 1985. He has been an adjunct professor of law at the Richardson School of Law and a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. He is presently the United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. Your Committee was impressed with the nominee's involvement in the Weed and Seed program and the National Guard's Youth Challenge Program. Your Committee hopes that the nominee can continue with community involvement activities as a judge.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, character, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate consent to the nomination.